Local News

Justin Nichols links up again with Powernation TV

You'd think as busy as things are at Nichols Paint and Fab are in Watseka, Justin wouldn't want be taking time to visit Courtney in Tennessee. But it's happened again.

"Yeah, she's hard on the eyes...but she's pretty cool. She's into cars and seemed to like our car."

Justin was featured again on Powernation TV with host Courtney Hansen with a 1929 Model A rehabbed and created in style at Nichols Paint and Fab on Walnut Street in Watseka.

Justin's interview on the popular cable auto show will air this weekend. Check your viewing choice of TV channels for the correct channel. It airs Saturday 7-9 am, again Sunday 8-9 am and 1-2 Monday on the CBS Sports Network.

Nichols said we had a customer who wanted a Model A sedan, a hot rod style. The Paint and Fab crew built the whole frame and interior, chopped the roof and there's a 1953 flathead in it. Nichols said it was a fun-build. "You don't see many like it anymore."

Roads closed around Dresden Friday

Roads are closed or restricted to thru-traffic today around the Dresden nuclear power plant in Grundy County. The road restrictions began at 8 am today. The Dresden nuclear power plant in Morris is working with Exelon as they move a huge electrical transformer.

Traffic will be restricted along the route because vehicles won't be able to move around the transformer.The route of the 80-foot transport trailer is proceeding along a designated route.The move is expected to be completed by mid-afternoon.

The transformer increases voltage produced in the power plant and places it on the electrical grid.

Illinois corn growers applaud WRDA

The Illinois Corn Growers Association is celebrating last week's passage of the federal Water Resources Development Act. The U.S. Senate is questioning the key appropriations is yet to come for long-overdue improvement of river locks and dams serving Illinois shipping.Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk are both in support of the WRDA, saying it'll open new opportunities along the major waterways.

The new legislation contains a provision for the federal government to pay 85 percent instead of 50 of the estimated $1.3 billion completion cost for the Olmsted Lock and Dam on the Ohio River at the southern end of Illinois. That will free up more money from the user-funded Inland Waterways Trust Fund for use on be used on other projects.

Charges filed for fraudulent Medicaid home services

By The Associated PressSPRINGFIELD - Fifteen people are facing federal charges for allegedly defrauding the Medicaid home services program in Illinois by filling out bogus time sheets.

Central District U.S. Attorney Jim Lewis announced the charges Thursday in Springfield. In one of the cases, a 36-year-old Bloomington man allegedly submitted time sheets for at least 300 hours of work done when he actually was incarcerated.

The home services program allows people with disabilities to hire assistants to perform household tasks and help with personal care. Time sheets filed twice a month are submitted for payments.

The charges stem from investigations conducted by members of the Central Illinois Health Care Fraud Task Force.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Hansen.

Former-bookkeeper accused of theft

45-year-old Renae Chronister of Morris is facing charges of theft and official misconduct. The former bookkeeper for Grundy County's health department is accused of stealing $44,000 in public funds and spending it on shopping trips and restaurant meals.

Prosecutors said the money was stolen between 2009 and 2012. An audit revealed the missing funds.They said she pocketed cash paid by residents and businesses for services such as immunizations, mental health counseling and public health inspections.